Hello! I’m writing our November update a bit early because a lot has happened in the last couple of weeks, and we need to share some important news.
If you read our September update, you might remember that we had gotten sick and Joe had gotten hit hard. Well, during his illness, he started having some heart issues. At first, we just thought they would pass as he got better, but after a while, things were getting worse. We were able to get an EKG and Holter monitor and found out that he has another electrical block in addition to his previous one.
After weeks of praying and meeting with our sending church and leadership, we decided it would be best to transfer to serving with Ethnos360 back in the USA. Originally, we were considering moving at the beginning of next year. However, after a few recent symptoms, leadership asked us to head back ASAP so he can get immediate care.
So, we will be heading to Florida, where our mission HQ is located, and plan to get him into the ER as soon as we arrive to rule out any emergency issues. After his heart surgery 3.5 years ago, they did mention the strong possibility of him needing a pacemaker down the road, and we’re wondering if that road was simply shorter than we had foreseen.
But God is good! He already has a home for us, we’ve officially accepted positions working at the Homes of Ethnos360 that will fit our gifts, He provided for our last-minute flights, and He is sustaining us day to day as we prepare. All in just a week’s time!
We’re also really excited that we’ll still be able to continue with our remote work in Brazil! Joe can still help with solar and security, and I will continue with functional health consults and my work with ADD/autistic Brazilian MKs. Plus, near the HQ is a huge Brazilian community of Portuguese speaking people, with churches and outreach possibilities!
Even though we’ll be moving to the US, all missionaries serving with Ethnos360 still need to raise their own support, as these are not paid positions. Please pray that God would continue to provide sufficient support for us to keep serving and that our support would increase, as we’re currently near the lowest allowable amount. We hope to visit churches and share about our ministry to raise additional support once Joe is doing better. We’re trusting God to continue providing for us as He has faithfully done in every season!
So overall, even though things are pretty emotional right now as we leave Brazil, we’re excited to see how God uses us in this next phase. He has always led us along each part of life and provided as we had need. He is always faithful to sustain us and protect us. It is a joy and a privilege to be able to serve Him all day, every day, as our “job,” and we couldn’t be happier with the opportunities He’s allowed us to be a part of. And we thank you for your prayers and support along the way!
Prayer Requests
- Pray for Joe’s heart health, that we can get him safely to the US and that the flight goes well. Please pray for his care and follow-ups, and that he can get whatever he needs to start feeling better again.
- For Liam. Moving is always very hard, and we were just starting to do a little better after our last move 6 months ago.
- Anora is pretty excited overall, but having to leave our cats and move is still hard.
- For Erin to have the energy to get the house sorted and packed, sell what we can’t take, and get everything cleaned while still working, etc. She’s had migraines and has been feeling run down lately.
- For God’s provision as we start over again. Finding a car, household items, winter clothes, shoes, coats, appliances, and furniture will be needed. We’ll just have a couple of suitcases each for now. We do have a few things we can get from storage in Ohio if we’re able to visit over Christmas, but not much. We’ll also need to cover any medical costs we may have, especially since we’re still paying off the last batch.
PARTNER WITH US
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Thank you,
Joe & Erin
Praying for your whole family. Asking God to provide as only He can.
Definitely praying for all your needs and rejoicing in the evidence that God’s got this! Love you guys, so much!
Thank you for the very thorough update! We will continue to pray for your family and more specifically now! May God bless your trip home and back to the United States!
Oh my – so much -praying for you all!